WO1998011380A1 - Organe de fixation pour equipement photographique - Google Patents

Organe de fixation pour equipement photographique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998011380A1
WO1998011380A1 PCT/GB1997/002431 GB9702431W WO9811380A1 WO 1998011380 A1 WO1998011380 A1 WO 1998011380A1 GB 9702431 W GB9702431 W GB 9702431W WO 9811380 A1 WO9811380 A1 WO 9811380A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mount
pad
mount according
connector means
equipment
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1997/002431
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ellis Fitzroy Petersen Whitcomb
Original Assignee
Designaware Trading Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB9619161.4A external-priority patent/GB9619161D0/en
Application filed by Designaware Trading Limited filed Critical Designaware Trading Limited
Priority to AU41296/97A priority Critical patent/AU4129697A/en
Priority to EP97939075A priority patent/EP0925469A1/fr
Publication of WO1998011380A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998011380A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/02—Heads
    • F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
    • F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
    • F16M11/12—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a mount for photographic or optical equipment having particular, but not exclusive, application to a still or video camera used to shoot over a wide range of different angles.
  • Mounting arrangements are known for still and video cameras which permit the operator to rotate the camera in at least one, and often two, rotational directions.
  • the known apparatus typically comprises intricate arrangements of telescopic hydraulic arms which need to be carefully adjusted to provide the requisite combination of flexibility and support.
  • a mount for stably supporting photographic or optical equipment on a support structure comprising first connector means for removably attaching the mount to an article of photographic or optical equipment, second connector means for attachment to a support structure and an intermediate flexible member for securely connecting the first and second connector means together.
  • the mount is particularly suitable for mounting photographic equipment.
  • the flexible member may comprise a spring, for example, a helical spring but preferably comprises a flexible pad.
  • the pad is preferably formed from an elastomeric material.
  • the second connector means may comprise a fitting for attachment to a tripod or monopod but may comprise a base, for example, for placement on a flat surface.
  • the first connector means may comprise a male screw thread to define a standard fitting for photographic equipment.
  • the first and second connector means are joined internally of the pad by a flexible joining means.
  • the flexible joining means may comprise a helical spring or universal joint.
  • the first and second connector means each preferably comprise a perforated element, through which the pad may be moulded.
  • At least part of the pad may be formed from a transparent or translucent elastomer, so that the attachment between the pad and the first and second connector means may be seen.
  • the same refinement may be applied to enable the flexible joining means to be observed.
  • a relatively soft elastomer may be used for the pad, or a relatively narrow neck may be provided therein in order to permit a wider, and more readily attained, freedom of movement for the user of the article.
  • this manifests as an enhanced field of view.
  • a heavy piece of equipment particularly a long telephoto lens on a single lens reflex camera, such an embodiment may be found to "sag".
  • Providing a stiffer elastomer compound, a more squat pad or providing a stiffer joining means therewithin will overcome these problems, requiring a trade-off that the mount will have a reduced field of adjustment and/or a requirement for greater exertion on the part of the user.
  • the present invention further relates to a range of mounts in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
  • the range comprising different mounts having different degrees of flexibility in the respective pads.
  • the invention relates to a support system for an article, the said support system comprising a support structure and said range of mounts.
  • This aspect of the invention further comprises a tripod or monopod incorporating one or more mounts in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
  • a compensation means may be provided which gives additional support in one or more given directions to compensate for an eccentric load such as a telephoto lens.
  • Such compensation measn may comprise a compression spring located substantially in the same direction as the eccentric load or a tension spring substantially in the opposite direction from the eccentric load.
  • the mount in accordance with the invention may be provided with means for fixing the photographic or optical equipment in one, or a number of different positions.
  • an internal or external brace may be provided to lock the flexible member.
  • this could comprise an internal pin or an external collar arranged between the first and second connecting means This is of particular importance where a tripod or monopod is provided integral with such a mount because the normal, rigid behaviour of such equipment is then easily provided in addition to the flexible behaviour.
  • Means may be provided in addition or alternatively to provide rigid fixture of the mount in a number of different positions.
  • One such means could comprise a cord threaded between apertures in plates forming part of the first and second connection means respectively. The cord may be locked to either or both plates to prevent movement of the first and second connecting means relative to one another.
  • an arm may be provided which is connected between the connecting means and can be clamped to provide a fixed distance between corresponding points on their circumferences.
  • the arm and the clamp are preferably connected to the first and second connecting means via bearings so that the arm can be clamped at a desired point on the circumference of the mount without requiring cumbersome adjustment.
  • a photographic or optical equipment comprising a body, a flexible member attached to the body and further attached to connector means for attachment to a support structure, the flexible member securely connecting the equipment and the connector means together.
  • Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are cross-sectional, underneath and plan views, respectively, of a first connector part of the embodiment of Figure 1;
  • Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are, respectively, cross-sectional, underneath and plan views of a second connecting portion of the embodiment of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1, but showing the mount in a flexed condition
  • Figure 5 is a side view of a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 6A to 6C are a side view, a plan view and an underneath view, respectively, of a first connecting part of the second embodiment
  • Figures 7 A to 7C are a side view, an underneath view and a plan view, respectively, of a second connecting part of the second embodiment
  • FIGS 8 A to 8C show third to fifth embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 9 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 10A to IOC show an embodiment of the invention which may be locked in a single landscape position
  • FIGS 11 A to 11C show an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the mount may be locked in a single landscape position
  • Figures 12A to 12C show a variation on the embodiment shown in Figure 10,
  • FIGS 13 A to 13C show a variation on the embodiment shown in Figure 11,
  • Figures 14A and 14B show a further variation on the embodiment shown in Figure 10
  • Figures 15A and 15B show a further variation on the embodiment shown in Figure 11
  • Figures 16A to 16E show a further embodiment of the invention which provides a mount which can be locked in a plurality of different positions
  • Figures 17A to 17E show a different embodiment of the invention which provides a mount which can be locked in a plurality of different positions
  • FIGS. 18A to 18C show a video recorder in accordance with another aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 A to 1 D show a mount in accordance with the invention which incorporates compensation means for eccentric loads.
  • FIG. 1 shows a mount 2 which comprises a first connector part 4, a second connector part 6, a pad 8 and a helical spring 10.
  • the first connector part 4 is shown in detail in Figures 2A-2C. Reference to these figures will show that the connector part 4 comprises a radial flange 41, extending about a hub 42. In a first direction, which faces the second connector part 6 when the device is assembled, the hub 42 extends axially to define a spring seat 43, which has a generally circular section and a chamfered edge 44. The hub also extends axially in the opposite direction to define a screw thread 45.
  • the flange 41 is generally circular when viewed in plan, as can be seen clearly in Figures 2B and 2C.
  • the flange 41 comprises three apertures 46, which are spaced equidistantly about the circumference of a virtual circle which is situated coaxially with the hub and has a radius situated roughly mid-way between those of the hub 42 and the flange 41.
  • each aperture 46 comprises first, second and third aperture portions 46a, 46b, 46c arranged consecutively in the axial direction, so as to communicate directly with each other.
  • the first aperture portion 46a has an axial length which is approximately twice that of each of the second and third aperture portions 46b and 46c.
  • the second, intermediate, axial portion 46b has a radial dimension which is somewhat smaller than either of the other two aperture portions. This aperture portion therefore defines a neck.
  • the third aperture portion 46c has a greater radial dimension than the first aperture portion 46a.
  • Each of the apertures 46 have the same configuration
  • the flange 41 is provided with a chamfered edge 47, which faces away from the centre of the article, once assembled.
  • the second connector portion 6 is shown in Figures 3A-3C.
  • the second connector portion 6 comprises a radial flange 61 extending about a hub 62.
  • the hub 62 extends in a first axial direction which extends into the article once assembled, to define a protrusion 63.
  • the protrusion 63 acts as a spring seat and is provided with a chamfered edge 64.
  • a tapped blind bore 65 extends axially within the hub 62 and the protrusion 63 from a surface 67 of the second connector portion 6, which is situated on the outside, when the mount is assembled.
  • the flange 61 is provided with a series of apertures 66, situated equidistantly upon the circumference of a virtual circle which is located coaxially with the hub 62 and has a radius situated between that of the hub and the flange 61.
  • each of the apertures 66 is formed from three aperture portions 66a-66c.
  • Aperture portion 66a has an axial length which is approximately twice that of each of the second and third axial portions 66b and 66c.
  • the second, intermediate axial portion 66b has a radial dimension somewhat smaller than that of both the first aperture portion 66a and the second aperture portion 66c. This portion , therefore, constitutes a neck within the aperture 66.
  • the first aperture portion 66a has a radial dimension slightly larger than that of the third aperture portion 66c.
  • the three aperture portions are mutually eccentric in cross-section.
  • the helical spring 10 is of any suitable type. Its desired characteristics will be appreciated upon reference to the following description.
  • the pad 8 is, in this embodiment, formed from a translucent elastomeric silicone compound.
  • the translucence is provided in order to enable the connections between all of the components (and the existence of the helical spring 10) to be clearly seen by a user.
  • this translucence is not necessary for the function of the device and, therefore, an opaque material may be used for the pad 8, if preferred.
  • a first end of the spring 10 is fitted over the spring seat 43 provided on the first connector 4 and the opposite end of the spring is fitted over the spring seat 63 provided on the second connector portion 6.
  • the location and fitting of the spring during this procedure is assisted by the provision of the chamfered edges 44 and 64.
  • the structure is held securely together This is largely a consequence of the shape of the apertures 46, 66 described above Because the apertures each comprise a neck, plugs of material accumulated in the third aperture portions 46c and 66c cannot pass through the apertures 46 and 66, thus resisting the axial separation of the first and second connector portions 4 and 6, so as to hold the device securely together in the axial direction. Furthermore, the elastomer 8 completely surrounds and penetrates the spring 10, thereby completely resisting any displacement of the spring 10 within the pad 8
  • the assembled spring 10 and connector portions 4, 6 may be sprayed with a bonding agent which securely bonds the elastomer to the components during moulding This forms a very powerful bond Because this bond acts at an infinite number of points along the full length of the spring and the opposed faces of the connector portions 4, 6, the connectors 4, 6 will not separate catastrophically in the event that the elastomer deteriorates and splits
  • a universal joint may be used to provide additional stability
  • an alternative construction of the present invention provides a spring or universal joint connected between two connecting means and surrounded by a sleeve of rubber or elastomer
  • the screw thread 45 is screwed into the mounting socket of a camera or the like.
  • the screw thread provided on a tripod or monopod is screwed into the bore 65
  • the camera is thus mounted on the tripod or monopod via the mount 2 Due to the inherent flexibility of the pad 8 and spring 10, the orientation of the camera relative to the tripod or monopod may be adjusted Due to the resilience of these components, the camera is still supported Obviously, the relative flexibility of the structure will determine the ease with which the camera can be manoeuvred and the support provided by the mount.
  • FIGS. 5 to 7C show a second embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is generally similar in principle to the first embodiment. Wherever possible, common features are identified by the same reference numerals.
  • the spring is attached to the spring seats 43 and 63 by welding.
  • the flanges 61 and 41 do not comprise apertures for accommodating the elastomeric material.
  • subsidiary flanges 61a and 41a are provided on the hubs 62 and 42 respectively. These flanges are generally circular in plan and coaxial with their respective hubs.
  • the subsidiary flanges 41a and 61a are, by virtue of their separation from the primary flanges 61 and 41, totally encapsulated by the elastomeric material, they are still provided with apertures 66 and 46 respectively. This is to anchor the flanges 61a and 41a within the elastomeric material more securely.
  • eight apertures are provided on each flange in this embodiment.
  • the spring could, for example, be hooked onto suitable constructions, for example eyelets,attached to or provided on the spring seats.
  • suitable constructions for example eyelets
  • the relative flexibility of the mount will not only affect the manoeuvrability of the camera relative to the tripod or monopod, but also the support that the mount provides.
  • a pad 8 that is relatively flexible, so as to provide relatively easy manipulation will provide a less steady support than a stiffer pad which is more difficult to manipulate. Consequently, at the manufacturing stage the flexibility of the mount needs to be carefully considered.
  • the flexibility can, of course, be determined by selection of an appropriate elastomer.
  • the spring characteristic of the spring can be chosen in order to exercise a certain degree of control Alternatively, the dimensions of the pad 8 can simply be altered.
  • Figures 8A and 8B show two different sized devices that will offer respectively different characteristics if made from the same elastomer.
  • Figure 8C shows another embodiment, which utilizes a relatively small pad, such as shown in Figure A, with the connector portions of the embodiment of Figure 8B. From this, it will be seen that it is not necessary to provide different sized connector portions for mounts having different flexibility ratings
  • a mount can be stiffened by the provision of an auxiliary ring 50.
  • a mount is shown in Figure 9. It will be readily apparent that such a ring resists flexion of the pad and, therefore, provides a relatively simple method of controlling the mount This method has the advantage of providing a certain degree of adjustability. That is to say, the ring 50 could be removable. If desired, a series of rings of different thicknesses can be provided and an appropriate ring selected by the user. Of course the stiffeners do not need to be ring-shaped. Any shape which affects lateral movement can be employed.
  • FIGS 10A to IOC show schematic views of a mount which can be fixed, when required, in a rigid, landscape position. This is of particular importance when the mount is attached to, or incorporated into, a tripod or monopod. Normal rigid operation can then be readily obtained in addition to flexible operation.
  • a mount 100 comprises a first 102 and a second 103 connecting means and an elastomeric pad 104 incorporating a spring which operates as previously described.
  • the means 102 is provided with a blind bore 108 and the means 104 is provided with a through-bore 107 of the same diameter.
  • the elastomer 104 is also provided with a through bore which links the bores in the connecting means.
  • the diameter of the through bore may be substantially equal to the diameter of the bores in the means 102, 103. Making the diameter of the bore through the pad slightly smaller however will provide additional retention of the rod in use.
  • a rod 105 is provided which is a snug fit within the bores of the connecting means.
  • the rod 105 is inserted through the connecting means 103 and partially into the bore in the pad 104. This will provide some reduction in the freedom of movement of the pad and may be used to provide a progressive adjustment of the stiffness of the pad in order to compensate for heavy or unevenly-loaded equpment as discussed previously.
  • the snug fit of the rod within the bores 107, 108 effectively locks the connectors together giving a rigid mount.
  • the rod may be spring-loaded in such a way that it is normally urged into the position shown in Fgure IOC.
  • a lever may be provided to enable an operator to extract the rod by the desired amount.
  • the rod, or shaft 105 can be retracted or inserted, for example, by rotation of the shaft relative to the mount. Alternatively, a bayonet action, a snap fit or an O-ring fit could be employed.
  • stiffener takes the form of a cylindrical collar, which slides between a raised and lowered position. In the raised condition, the collar surrounds the pad and holds it in position. In the lowered condition, the pad is free to be moved.
  • the collar may be spring-loaded in such a way that it is normally urged into the raised condition.
  • the collar arrangement can be configured in such a way as to be capable of holding the pad in more than one rigid position.
  • Figures 11A to 11C which are analogous, in terms of operation, to Figures 10A to IOC respectively. Details which are not pertinent to this embodiment of the invention, such as an internal spring (when present) have been omitted for reasons of clarity.
  • a mount 110 comprises a first connecting means 1 12 and a second connecting means 113 connected together by an elastomeric pad 114.
  • a collar 115 has an internal diameter substantially equal to the external diameter of the means 112 and 113.
  • Figure 1 IB shows the collar 115 partially applied to the mount and
  • Figure 11C shows the mount fully applied.
  • the degree of application may be used to vary the amount of stiffness provided by the mount and the fully applied collar provides a rigid mount.
  • By providing appropriate threads to the outer circumferences of the first and second connectors and the inner circumference of the collar the adjustment may be effected by twisting the collar relative to the mount. Alternatively a bayonet action or a snap fit may be provided.
  • Figures 12 and 13 respectively show the embodiments of Figures 10 and 11 relative to the base of a camera or other equipment with which the mount may be used.
  • the rod 105 is shown connected to the base of a camera 109.
  • the full flexibility of the mount 100 is provided.
  • Figure 12B the degree of flexibility is reduced until the rod is fully inserted ( Figure 12C) and the mount is locked rigid.
  • the insertion may conveniently be effected by providing the rod and at least one connecting means with cooperating screw threads.
  • a rotatable joint (not shown) may be provided between the rod 105 and the camera 109 so that the orientation of the camera relative to the mount can be independent of the degree of flexibility required.
  • Figure 13 shows an analogous mounting of the collar 115 to the base of a camera or piece of optical equipment 119. Screw threads may be applied to the collar and at least one of the connecting means (the uppermost one in the figure) to permit adjustment of flexibility by way of relative rotation. Again, the collar may be connected to the camera by way of a rotatable joint (not shown).
  • the present invention further provides a tripod or monopod which includes a mount according to the invention.
  • the mounts described with reference to Figures 10 and 11 may be combined with a camera support as shown in Figures 14 and 15.
  • Figure 14A shows a mount substantially as shown in Figure 10B wherein the connecting meansl03 is attached to a camera support 101.
  • the camera support 101 is provided with an aperture through which the rod 105 can pass to provide the adjustment of the flexibility of the mount.
  • Figure 14B shows the mount with the rod 105 in the rigid position.
  • Figures 15A and 15B show a mount substantially as shown in figure 11 similarly incorporated with a support 111.
  • a camera support 111 is attached to the connecting means 111 and the collar 115 is moved relative to the mount to provide the required degree of stiffness.
  • Figure 15B shows the collar in the rigid, 'landscape' position. In this position the support, be it a tripod or whatever, may be used in the conventional manner with conventional universal joints, quick release mechanisms and so on as are known in the art.
  • FIG. 16A a mount 130 is provided with a pair of plates 136, 138 and a cord 132.
  • the plate 136 is attached to the first connection means and the plate 138 is attached to the second connection means.
  • Each plate includes four holes and the cord 132 connects these plates in a continuous loop.
  • Figure 16C shows the arrangement of the cord more clearly by omitting the main body of the mount.
  • the plates 136 and 138 may be formed integrally with the first and second connection means.
  • the cord is arranged to form a tight frictional fit around the plates but not so tight that the mount cannot be deformed as required to provide flexibilty.
  • Figure 16B shows an elevational view similar to that of Figure 16A but in which the mount has been rotated about it vertical axis by aproximately 45°.
  • both of the plates may be provided with a locking plate 137 as shown in Figure 16E
  • Figure 16D shows a plan view of the plate
  • the locking plate 137 is provided immediately beneath the plate 136 and has an identical arrangement of holes The plate
  • the mount 137 is also rotatable about its centre relative to the plate 136. In order to lock the mount in a particular position, the plate 137 is rotated slightly in this manner to effectively reduce the size of the holes as shown in Figure 16E. The cord cannot now move and the position of the mount is fixed until the locking plate is released. By locking the cord at only one plate a degree of movement of the mount is retained, for example pan or tilt By locking both plates, the mount will be fully locked.
  • the plate 137 may be provided with fewer holes than the plate 136 so as to lock the cord at only one or more points
  • the number of holes provided in the plates 136, 138 may be altered as required A minimum of two holes per plate are required with increased stability being provided by increased numbers of holes
  • FIG. 17A to 17E A mount 150 is provided with a rotatable ring 156 and a rotatable ring 158 mounted to the first and second connection means respectively
  • the ring 156 is connected to an arm 160 by means of a hinged joint 162
  • the arm 160 passes through a hole 164 in the ring 158 which hole is provided with any suitable clamping means (not shown) for clamping the arm to the ring
  • Figure 17C shows the mount in a partially tilted position and Figure 17B shows a fully tilted position in which the equipment supported by the mount would have been rotated by 90°
  • the mount could be locked in either of these positions or any intermediate position
  • the hinge 162 may be provided with locking capability and the rotation of the rings 156 and 158 may also be provided with locking capability
  • Figure 16D shows a schematic plan view of the ring 156
  • Figure 17E shows a schematic plan view of the ring 158.
  • a series of mounts can be provided in the form of a set.
  • Each of these can comprise a pad formed from a different elastomer, so as to provide a different degree of flexibility.
  • these could be colour-coded, for example.
  • FIGs 18A to 18C show a piece of photographic or optical equipment, in this case a video camera, according to another aspect of the invention.
  • a camcorder 200 is provided with a mount similar to that described previously which may be housed in a recess 202 in the camera body ( Figure 18 A). This provides either unobtrusive storage of the mount or a rigid connection to a tripod or other support 206
  • Figure 18B shows the mount 204 removed from the recess 202 and ready to provide flexible support for the camcorder. This removal may conveniently be accomplished by providing the recess 202 and the mount 204 with cooperating screw threads in the same manner as for the mount and collar described with reference to Figure 13. In this embodiment the recess 202 takes the place of the collar 115 ( Figure 13A to 13C).
  • Figure 18C shows the camcorder in use with the flexible mount 204.
  • the refinements discussed previously are equally applicable to the piece of equipment in accordance with this aspect of the invention.
  • FIG 19A shows a mount 180 comprising an elastomeric pad 184 and rotatable rings 186 and 188 around the first and second connecting means respectively. These rings are similar to those described with reference to Figure 17 but instead of being connected by an arm they are connected by a tension spring, for example a portion of elastic material (or bungey) 190.
  • the elastic material 190 is sufficiently slack to have little or no effect, in other words it is not under any appreciable tension.
  • An imbalance is provided by an eccentric load such as a telephoto lens fitted to an SLR camera and consequently the mount 180 deforms. This fails to provide adequate support for the camera or other load.
  • the elastic material 190 has been shortened and is now under sufficient tension to compensate for the Imbalance of the load. In the relaxed state the camera remains substantially horizontal and can be moved more easily by an operator seeking to pan and tilt the camera.
  • the behaviour of the mount 180 will thus be substantially the same as one of the previously described mounts with a perfectly or near-perectly balanced load.
  • the rings 186 and 188 can be made rotatable about the connecting means to permit the compensation to be applied at the appropriate point on around the circumference of the mount.
  • Any suitable means may be provided for clamping the elastic material at the appropriate length.
  • Such means my, for example, comprise a cleat to be used by pulling on the elastic cord and clamping the cord when the required tension has been provided.
  • a cord having a number of securing holes may be provided and the appropriate hole is selcted and then hooked over a hook or other suitable feature on the connector means.
  • a compression spring may be provided in an analogous manner between two rings but it must be positioned on the same side of the mount as the ecccentric load in operation.
  • two or more external compensators may be provided for the mount.
  • Figures 19C and 19D provide plan views of the rings 186 and 186' suitable for providing external compensation at one and two points respectively.
  • Figure 19C shows the ring 16 (or 188) for use in the single-point compensation embodiment shown in Figures 19A and 19B
  • such a single point compensator can become less effective as the load is tilted from side to side with respect to the line of the material 190.
  • two (or more) compensators may be provided between pairs of rings having the requisite number of holes.
  • Figure 19D shows such a ring 186' having two holes
  • a mount having two compensators by the use of such rings would be capable of providing increased stability as the load was moved from the centre line.
  • the camera or other load would have an increased tendency to return accurately to a set position, for example the landscape position, when released by an operator

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Accessories Of Cameras (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention se rapporte à un organe de fixation (2) conçu pour maintenir de façon stable un équipement photographique ou optique sur une structure de support. Ledit organe de fixation (2) comprend un premier connecteur (4) conçu pour assurer le raccordement libérable avec un module de l'équipement photographique et un second connecteur (6) conçu pour être fixé à une structure de support. Un élément flexible intermédiaire, du type patin (8), est disposé entre les connecteurs (4, 6), de façon à les assembler de manière sure tout en autorisant le réglage de l'orientation dudit module de l'équipement par rapport à la structure de support.
PCT/GB1997/002431 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Organe de fixation pour equipement photographique WO1998011380A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU41296/97A AU4129697A (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Mount for photographic equipment
EP97939075A EP0925469A1 (fr) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Organe de fixation pour equipement photographique

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9619161.4 1996-09-13
GBGB9619161.4A GB9619161D0 (en) 1996-09-13 1996-09-13 Mount for photographic equipment
GB9620262.7 1996-09-27
GB9620262A GB2317240B (en) 1996-09-13 1996-09-27 Flexible mount for photographic or optical equipment

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998011380A1 true WO1998011380A1 (fr) 1998-03-19

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1997/002431 WO1998011380A1 (fr) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Organe de fixation pour equipement photographique

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0925469A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU4129697A (fr)
WO (1) WO1998011380A1 (fr)

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